DK2566797T3

DK2566797T3 - A device for upright transport of one preform

Info

Publication number: DK2566797T3
Application number: DK11718058T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Robert Morgan
Original assignee: Induflex Robert Morgan E K
Priority date: 2010-05-03
Filing date: 2011-05-03
Publication date: 2015-04-27
Also published as: ES2539855T3; EP2566797B1; EP2566797A1; WO2011138321A1; DE102010028500A1; DE102010028500B4

Description

The invention relates to a conveying system for transporting a preform which can serve as the initial form for a container producible therefrom.

Preforms are preliminary products of a plastic bottle. Systems for such bottles are known from WO 2005/005291, US 5,738,467, FR 2784975, US 6,190,094, US 5,820,306 and FR 2768417.

Such preforms are led into a drink filling apparatus into the filling line and plastic bottles are then produced from the preforms inside the filling line by suitably known moulds, the bottles then being filled in the desired way and also known manner and then closed.

In today's filling lines, up to 30,000 or more, in some cases even up to 70,000 or more preforms per hour are fed to the filling line. For this purpose, the preforms are removed from a preform store (this is done normally by machine) and fed via a conveying section to the known mould, which finally produces the plastic bottle from the preform.

In order to transport sufficient preforms, the latter are firstly lifted up to a first (high) level and then fall/slide via a rail system - and a second lower level - in a controlled manner into a conveying path, where the individual preforms are fed individually for further processing. Hitherto, the conveying of the individual preforms therefore presupposes a very great constructional height, and in the known conveying apparatuses normally constructional heights of more than three metres, also six metres or more, are reached. This requires corresponding constructional apparatuses also in the filling line and it is not always possible either to achieve the desired high constructional heights to provide a sufficiently long falling line for the individual preforms.

The object of the invention is to avoid the previous disadvantages in the conveying of the preforms and the feeding of the preforms into the further-processing line and to enable a throughput of preforms which is as high as possible, preferably also a throughput of more than 30,000 preforms per hour .

The invention is achieved by a conveying apparatus having the features according to Claim 1. Advantageous developments are described in the subclaims and the further disclosure.

In the case of the solution according to the invention, the preforms are transported via a substantially horizontally arranged conveying channel and the force for conveying is no longer, as in the prior art, the force of gravity which acts on the preforms, but the force which is produced by a blower which blows air into a conveying channel. Since the cross-section of the conveying channel is substantially adapted to the outer contour of the preform and the preform is oriented substantially vertically during transport, the individual preforms can be transported at very high speed through the conveying apparatus, in order thus to feed them to a further-processing apparatus of the filling line.

The invention is explained by way of example in more detail below.

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section over a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a view of how the container to be conveyed is oriented with respect to the conveying channel during transport;

Fig. 4 shows a further cross-sectional view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a further side view of the conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a top view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention in the region of the inlet for the containers to be conveyed;

Fig. 7 shows a view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention, which in addition to a linear section also has a curved section;

Fig. 8 shows a typical container to be conveyed, in the form of a preform;

Fig. 9 shows a top view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 10 shows a further cross-sectional view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a further side view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 12 shows a cross-section through the view according to Fig. 11 taken on the line g-g;

Fig. 13 shows an enlarged detail H from Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the apparatus according to Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 shows a sectional view taken on the line j-j according to Fig. 11;

Fig. 16 shows a sectional view taken on the line k-k according to Fig. 11;

Fig. 17 shows a further cross-section through a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 18 shows a further side view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 19 shows a cutout of the detail H in Fig. 17;

Fig. 20 shows a sectional view taken on the line d-d in Fig. 18;

Fig. 21 shows the cutout E in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 shows a further perspective view of a conveying apparatus according to the invention; and

Fig. 23 shows a cross-section taken on the section line g-g in Fig. 18.

Fig. 1 shows the cross-section of a conveying apparatus according to the invention, which comprises two side walls as well as a bottom element and a top element. Wall, top and bottom elements leave free a cross-section which is adapted in respect of its width to the width of the preform P to be transported, the preform P during transport being able to be transported in a clear dimension, i.e. without unnecessary friction on the side walls of the conveying channel (conveying section) K, through this channel. Thus, the entire conveying section, i.e. the conveying channel K, is closed in cross-section. In the upper region, the conveying channel K comprises two mutually opposite grooves NI, N2, with which the preform P, which comprises an encircling collar (border) KR, comes to bear during transport. This encircling collar KR of the preform P is, as regards diameter, mostly greater than the diameter of the preform P.

As can be further seen in Fig. 1, the bottom element (height-adjustable bottom rail) BE of the conveying channel K of the conveying apparatus is preferably settable in respect of its height, so that the space R between the bottom of the conveying channel K and the lower side of the container to be transported is individually settable. As can also be seen in Fig. 1, a first spacing A1 is formed between the upper side of the container and the top element, while a second spacing A2 is formed between the lower side of the container to be conveyed and the bottom element BE. Through the height adjustment of the bottom element BE, it is thus possible also for the ratio of the first spacing A1 (and the force applied to the container there) to the second spacing A2 (and the force applied to the container there) to be individually set so that the container remains in the vertical orientation during transport.

In the example shown, the bottom element BE is formed as a bottom rail, which is adjustable in height by a drive PZ, e.g. a pneumatic cylinder, in order thus to be adapted to the container to be conveyed.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the conveying apparatus according to the invention. Here, in particular the respective drives PZ for the bottom rail BE can be seen.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the conveying apparatus according to the invention and the conveying channel K and here in particular the view of the preform P during transport in the conveying section K. The individual preforms P are transported in an upright position through the conveying section K.

Fig. 4 shows a further cross-sectional view of the conveying apparatus according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a further view of the conveying apparatus according to the invention with the cutout detail illustrated in Fig. 3 showing the preforms P to be conveyed. Finally, there can also be seen in Fig. 5 side windows F which are let into the conveying channel K (but no air can escape through the windows), in order thus to enable also the operating personnel of the filling line to look into the conveying apparatus and into the conveying section K.

As can also be gathered from Figures 1, 3 and 4, the entire conveying section is a closed system, in particular the channel K is composed of a suitable material (e.g. plastic or stainless steel), which is preferably "FDA approved", i.e. suitable for use with foodstuffs, so that on contact of the preform P to be conveyed with the channel wall there is no risk of impurities which detract from the enjoyment, for example, of a foodstuff which is subsequently introduced into the container resulting from the preform P.

Fig. 6 shows in a top view the conveying apparatus according to the invention in the region of the inlet. The preforms P to be conveyed are pushed by a star ST (or else a cellular wheel) into the conveying section. (The star ST or the cellular wheel is provided with a corresponding drive AM. The task of the star ST is to convey the preforms P in the section, since at the beginning of the section - between entrance and air connection - a slight back-pressure exists). Following the point where the preforms P enter the conveying channel K, the latter comprises a lateral extension SA which has a connection AS, e.g. an air hose or the like, which blows in a gas, e.g. air. In the front region of the conveying channel K, where the extension SA is formed, the channel wall U comprises oblique bores SB, through which the gas flow penetrates obliquely into the channel and a preform P in this front region is then led on by the penetrating air through the channel K, namely in the direction of travel PR (direction of the arrow).

Fig. 7 shows a further view according to the invention of the conveying apparatus according to the invention having a linear section which also comprises the aforementioned inspection windows F, which preferably consist of a polycarbonate covering. In the front region, it can be seen that the preforms P to be transported are led from a sorter or from a bin (in which the preforms P are still disordered) into the region of the conveying star/cellular wheel ST into a conveying channel K.

Fig. 8 shows the typical form and the typical dimensions of a typical preform P.

Fig. 9 shows the top view in cross-section of a conveying apparatus according to the invention. Here, it can be seen that after the air flow blown into the conveying channel K has taken hold of the preform P to be transported, the preforms P not only in upright (vertical) orientation, but that a multiplicity of preforms P to be transported are simultaneously transported and during this the preforms P have a spacing PA from one another, so that they do not or do not have to touch one another during transport.

An air cushion LP builds up between the individual preforms P, so that when the preform P running ahead is stopped, the following one relatively gently closes up to the one ahead.

The individual air cushions LP also have the function, however, that the force blown in by the air continues between the individual preforms P due to the air cushion LP from the rear to the front preform P and the individual preforms P not only are given an initial "push" with an initial speed VO, but also experience a driving force during transport still further in the transporting direction.

The particular advantage of the conveying apparatus according to the invention consists in that, in comparison with the prior art, it does not need to have a particularly high constructional height, but rather that the entire transporting takes place substantially on a linear, horizontally oriented path and via the setting of the air blower very high transporting speeds can be achieved for the individual preforms to be transported, so that throughput numbers of more than 30,000 or even 60,000 to 70,000 preforms, i.e. preforms per hour, can be achieved.

Optionally, it is also possible to integrate various additional modules on this conveying apparatus, for example ionisers or UVC irradiation for germ reduction or devices for holding the preforms upside down (cf. DE 10 2008 034 232).

After transporting the preforms P through the conveying apparatus according to the invention, the preforms P are preferably supplied to a turning-over device, as disclosed in the patent application DE 10 2008 034 232.

Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of a conveying apparatus according to the invention in cross-section. Here, it can be seen in particular that one side wall W2 of the conveying channel K is fixed, while the other opposite side wall Wl, although oriented parallel to the fixed side wall W2, is movable towards or away from this fixed side wall W2, in order thus to be able to set the width BK of the conveying channel K exactly to the corresponding container, in the example shown, a preform P.

As in the examples shown above, the preform P itself is again provided with a collar KR, by which it comes to bear correspondingly with the grooves NI, N2 of the two side walls Wl, W2 which bound the conveying channel K.

Furthermore, there can be seen a hose connecting piece S, through which air can be sucked in, also in order to suck out any particles which may be located in the preform P or in the preform channel K. In addition, there can be seen a further hose connecting piece AS, through which the air, which is subseguently sucked out, is forced in, in order thus to force air into the region of the preform P or of the preform channel K, which is then sucked out through the hose connecting piece S and, owing to the vortex, particles can be swirled up and reliably removed.

There can also be seen in Fig. 10 inspection windows F which can be closed and opened to allow maintenance personnel to gain access to the conveying section.

Fig. 11 shows a side view of the preform conveying section according to the invention according to Fig. 10.

Again there can be seen very well the side windows F, the hose connecting piece S, the hose connecting piece AS and the preform containers P. Above the preform channel K is formed an ioniser I which serves to ionise the air inside the preform channel K.

Fig. 12 shows the section through Fig. 11 taken on the line g-g.

It can be seen particularly well that the preform channel K can be exactly determined in its width, in order thus to enable reliable transport of the preform P using as little air as possible.

The displaceable wall Wl, which lies opposite the fixed wall W2, can be displaced by means of toothed racks ZS, slide rods or the like to the desired position. The adjustment of the wall is effected by means of a toothed ring gearing G, which has a further toothed wheel (toothed ring), which engages exactly in teeth of the toothed rack ZS.

Slides SCH for regulating the exhaust air can also be seen in this figure.

Fig. 13 shows the cutout H from Fig. 12. The view serves in particular to show in a better form the obliquely arranged air inlet bores SB. These air inlet bores SB form the outlets of the air inlet chamber LI (see Fig. 12), into which the compressed air is forced through the hose connecting piece AS, in order thus to exert through the force of the entering air a progressive movement on the preforms P in the direction of travel of the preforms.

Fig. 14 shows a further perspective view of the apparatus according to Figs. 10 to 13, 15 and 16.

Fig. 15 shows an enlarged detail taken on the line j-j in Fig. 11. There can be seen particularly well the structure of the toothed wheel Z and of the toothed rack ZS engaging with it for the desired displacement of the movable wall Wl. It can also be seen very well that the air which is forced through the hose connecting piece AS into the chamber LI, which then reaches the chamber LI through the oblique air inlet openings SB of the preform channel K, there swirls up air also from the inside of the preforms P as well and thus swirls up any particles present in the preform P as well, which can then be sucked out through the hose connecting piece S.

Fig. 16 shows again a cross-section taken on the line k-k in Fig. 11 and here it can be seen well in particular that the ioniser I lies directly above the preform channel K and also thus above the preforms P and is sealed off from the preform channel K by means of an O-ring OR. By means of the ioniser I, the air in the region of the preform conveying section is ionised.

Fig. 17 shows further details of the preform apparatus according to the invention, in particular having a shaft clamp WK, for securing the setting of the different formats. For, there are preforms in many different heights and in particular in many different widths and after releasing the shaft clamp WK it is possible by means of a spanner to act on the screw SW17 in order to rotate the toothed wheel Z, in order thus to bring the toothed rack ZS into the desired position so that the preform channel K has the exactly desired spacing by setting the spacing between the movable wall W1 and the fixed wall W2.

Fig. 18 shows a further view of the preform conveying apparatus described above.

Fig. 19 shows the cutout H from Fig. 17. Here, there can also be seen a locking screw FS, by means of which the shaft clamp WK is fastened to the screw SW17, in order thus to fix the entire apparatus or the exact spacing of the two walls W1 and W2 .

Fig. 20 shows once again individual details of the conveying apparatus according to the invention, in which it can be seen that a central drive shaft AW can connect the toothed wheels Z, so that the entire wall setting can be effected using a central screw SW17.

Fig. 21 shows a further detail of the conveying apparatus according to the invention according to cutout E from Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 shows a further perspective view, in which there can be seen in the front region the connecting flange AF for the extension of the conveying section or the transfer for further processing of the preforms. The windows F form the maintenance flaps already described. As mentioned, the windows F can be both opened and closed and on closing can be held in the closed position by screw closures or snap closures or the like. As is also apparent, the drive shaft AW can be seen and on the upper side bores BF are let into the top of the conveying channel, in order to attach filling-level sensors (not shown). These filling-level sensors can measure how many preforms P are located in the conveying channel K.

Fig. 23 shows once again an enlarged cutout of the preform conveying section according to the invention and thus also a cross-section taken on the line g-g of Fig. 18.

Fig. 23 shows once again an enlarged cutout of the preform conveying section according to the invention and thus also a cross-section taken on the line g-g of Fig. 18. It can be seen particularly well that the fixed wall W2 is connected to an enclosing wall U, through which the toothed rack ZS projects, in order to set the adjustable wall W1 to the desired spacing with respect to the fixed wall W2. Also fastened to the enclosure U is the entire apparatus for locking the wall, i.e. the toothed rack ZS, the drive shaft AW, the toothed wheel Z and the bearing LZ of the toothed racks and further details (screws etc.), as shown in Fig. 13.

It can be seen particularly well that the fixed wall W2 is connected to an enclosing wall U, through which the toothed rack ZS projects, in order to set the adjustable wall W1 to the desired spacing with respect to the fixed wall W2. Also fastened to the enclosure U is the entire apparatus for locking the wall, i.e. the toothed rack ZS, the drive shaft AW, the toothed wheel Z and the bearing LZ of the toothed racks and further details (screws etc.), as shown in Fig. 13.

List of reference symbols A1 first spacing A2 second spacing AF connecting flange AM drive AS connection, hose connecting piece AW drive shaft BE Bottom element BF bore for filling-level sensor BK width of the conveying channel F window FS locking screw G toothed ring gearing I ioniser K conveying channel, conveying section KR collar LI air inlet chamber LP air cushion LZ bearing of the toothed rack N1 groove N2 groove OR O-ring P preform PA spacing PR direction of travel PZ drive, pneumatic cylinder R space S hose connecting piece SA lateral extension SB obligue bore, air inlet bore SCH slide ST star, cellular wheel SW17 screw U wall, enclosure W1 movable side wall W2 fixed side wall WK shaft clamp Z toothed wheel ZS toothed rack

Claims

A transport system consisting of a transport device for transporting a preform through a closed transport channel in the transport device, wherein the preform (P) is transported in an upright position, i.e. with the bottom downward and the opening upward, the preform (P) having a collar (KR) which is in the upper region of the preform (P) and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the preform (P), wherein the conveying channel (K) has a cross-sectional, adapted to the outer contour of the preform (P), where the transport channel (K) has opposite notes (N1, N2), in which the preform (P) abuts with the collar (KR), and where it is formed a blower in the conveying device, which blows gas into the conveying duct (K) in the conveying direction, and the preform (P) is conveyed through the conveying duct (K) by means of the blown gas, the conveying duct (K) has valves for regulating the exhaust air flow, which valves helps regulate the movement of the preform (P) forward, during which during the transport of the successive preforms (P), an air cushion (LP) is built up, so that when the front preform (P) is stopped, the subsequent preform (P) is relatively gently joins ten in the front.

Transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that a bottom rail (BE) can be formed in the cross-section of the transport channel (K), which can be adjusted in its position and thus vertically by means of a drive (PZ).

Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an air inlet (AS) and an air outlet nozzle (S) are provided.

Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the transport channel (K) where the blower air enters the transport channel (K), the transport channel (K) has bores (BF) passing through the transport channel (K). ) wall (U) in the direction of transport.

Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport channel (K) is formed by walls (W1, W2) consisting of stainless steel or plastics, preferably FDA approved.

Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport channel (K) has windows (F).

Transport system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport duct (K) has openings (SB) which serve to allow an air flow to come out to transport the preform (P) and the number or diameter of the openings (SB). ) is selected such that a propulsion is obtained simultaneously with a simultaneous friction reduction and a clean atmosphere in the area of the preform opening.

A method of transporting a preform into a transport device according to claims 1-7, wherein the transport device has a connected transport channel (K), wherein the preform (P) is transported in an upright position, i. with the bottom downward and the opening upward, the preform (P) having a collar (KR) larger than the diameter of the preform (P), the conveying channel (K) having a cross-section adapted to the outer contour of the preform (P), wherein the conveying channel (K) has opposite notes (N1, N2) in which the preform (P) is in contact with the collar (KR), and in which a blower gas is blown into the transport channel (K) in the transport direction. and the preform (P) is conveyed through the transport channel (K) by means of the blown gas, thereby creating an air cushion (LP) between the individual preforms (P), so that when the front preform (P) is stopped, it connects afterwards relatively gentle to the front.